Tips for a Spectre-acular getaway: How to holiday like James Bond

Tips for a Spectre-acular getaway: How to holiday like James Bond

Exotic locations, five-star hotels and first-class travel by either plane or luxury yacht: the lifestyle of a secret agent certainly seems appealing.

In reality, most of us would prefer not to be summoned on potentially life-endangering assignments, but we probably wouldn't mind sampling some of the high life James Bond gets to experience on his travels.

The latest 007 film, Spectre, will certainly stir up some wanderlust as Daniel Craig speeds and zooms across the globe on his next secret mission. But how do you go about recreating the Bond experience (minus the near-death encounters) on a budget?

Unfortunately, few of us are able to afford first-class airfares, but it is still possible to get upgraded on flights.

According to research by price comparison website Skyscanner, customers can improve their chances of getting bumped up by sticking with a single airline and their partners and joining the relevant loyalty programme.

Even if you can't accumulate enough points to purchase an upgrade, you might still be in with a chance of securing a swish seat as airlines will always offer upgrades to frequent flyers first.

To further improve your chances: travel alone (in a survey of cabin crew, Skyscanner found 72% were more inclined to offer upgrades to passengers flying solo); travel light (it's easier to accommodate those with less luggage on an earlier or later flight where upgrades may be available); be flexible (airlines often overbook flights, then offer vouchers to passengers willing to take another flight).

If you really want the full Bond experience, consider flying by private jet. Companies frequently reduce the price of fares on flights that are not full, with a list of good deals featured on Jetsuite.com, a private jet flight aggregator that flies to more than 2,000 airports. Just be prepared - like Bond - to jet off with little notice.

Once comfortable (hopefully) in your premium economy or first-class seat, continue the 007 theme by ordering a suitable cocktail.

Virgin Atlantic serve Vesper cocktails (as featured in Quantum Of Solace) at their Upper Class bar, or make your own alternative White Russian by ordering Baileys and vodka from the drinks trolley.

Alternatively, settle for a drink at one of the many rooftop pool bars where 007 would feel at home, such as the Four Seasons Hotel at London's Canary Wharf where the 'Shanghai' scene from Skyfall was filmed.

Then relax in the knowledge that your holiday can be enjoyed uninterrupted - one luxury James Bond is rarely afforded.

One in three families say it's easier to afford a holiday since the Government cut child Air Passenger Duty five months ago. But it seems most parents have yet to take advantage of a drop in prices Since May, children under 12 have been exempt from duty on economy flights. From March, youngsters under 16 won't have to pay either.

ABTA, which commissioned the research from pollsters Arkenford, says that since the changes were, made most families have only flown short haul so won't have noticed a huge difference.

A charity is asking hotels and holiday home owners to help provide time out for members of the armed forces. Give Us Time (www.giveustime.org.uk) offers one-week breaks with military personnel in need of rest and rehabilitation. Centre Parcs has already donated 25 holidays this year and Club La Costa, 40. But the charity says hotels can help too, especially if they find they have a spare room for a few nights.

TRIED AND TESTED

GoPro Hero4 Session Camera, currently £249.99, down from £329.99, www.halfords.com

As the digital age advances with accelerating speed, so too does our desire to document every living moment.

Travel anywhere around the globe and you'll likely find someone with a GoPro camera strapped to their head, hand or bicycle handlebars, hoping to capture footage to upload to Facebook or Youtube.

This latest model of the popular camera is their smallest and lightest yet (half the size of its competitors), making it more discreet and easier to carry around. Video can be shot at 1080p60, and there's also a decent time-lapse mode. Powered by a single button, it can be connected to devices through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Built in 1910, this family-run hotel shot to worldwide fame when Kate Middleton chose to spend her last night here as a single woman.

Typifying the best of British, it's amassed a loyal following who praise the property for its homely feel and excellent service.

Although steeped in tradition, The Goring is far from being stuck in the past. Every surface, furnishing and fitting exudes personality, and a classic design combines with hints of quirky humour.

Take the lobby, for instance, where the wallpaper features a menagerie of exotic creatures, each representing different members of The Goring family.

Bursts of marigold yellow add a modern zing to the stately Lounge Bar, which buzzes throughout the day with gentle activity, and where an award-winning afternoon tea is served.

While outside lies the largest private garden of any hotel in London, with several secret hideaways to discover.

Concentrating on classic dishes from around the British Isles, Shay Cooper's straightforward but superb menu recently won The Goring Dining Room its first Michelin star.

A highlight is the Eggs Drumkilbo - a dish traditionally made with leftovers, which was apparently a favourite of the late Queen Mother - given a refined overhaul here.

Shaped like cherry blossoms, Swarovski chandeliers illuminate the smart David Linley designed space, where a hum of conversation keeps the atmosphere lively.

Dishes are extremely well priced and a matching wine flight is highly recommended.

There are 69 rooms and suites, all with individual character. We stayed in the homely Belgravia suite, which features a separate living room space decorated with gilt-framed paintings and looks perfectly fit to receive future kings and queens.

After dinner, we sank into the sofas, put our feet up on a wool-wrapped, sheep-shaped footstall (the hotel's mascot, presented to guests in the form of a cuddly toy) and listened to Classic FM.

A few minutes' walk from Victoria train and tube station, the hotel is also within easy walking distance of Green Park and Buckingham Palace.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Tropical Sky (www.tropicalsky.co.uk; 01342 886941) offers seven nights at the five-star Zoetry Agua Punta Cana (all-inclusive) from £1679 per person (two sharing) - saving £750pp (30%). Includes flights from Gatwick and transfers. Travel from January 24 to March 26. Book by November 20.

USA: Round the World Experts (www.roundtheworldexperts.co.uk; 0800 188 4503) offers a 12-day tour of the US from £2,175 pp. Includes 10 days car hire. Flights from Gatwick to Phoenix, returning from Las Vegas. Valid for travel December 25 - March 24. Book by November 30, reference 3754730.

MONACO: Travelzoo (www.travelzoo.com) offers three nights at the Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel, (breakfast only) from £299pp. Includes return flights to Nice from Gatwick or Heathrow, return helicopter transfers and an upgraded room to a deluxe sea view. Valid on selected dates Nov-March.

TOBAGO: British Airways Holidays (www.ba.com) offers seven nights at the 3.5-star Grafton Beach Resort (including breakfast) from £549pp. Includes World Traveller return flights from Gatwick. Book by November 3.

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